SARASOTA, Florida. – It’s been nearly a week since Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in Tampa Bay, and in some Sarasota neighborhoods where homes are flooded, many residents are still left helpless. That’s why local and state agencies are now working together to help those in need by setting up multi-agency relief centers.
The Sarasota Christian Church is one of them and opened on Saturday morning.
“It’s up to us as a county. It’s our people. We take care of our people and that’s what we’re really trying to do to the best of our ability,” said Cole Washko, Sarasota County spokesman.
In some Sarasota neighborhoods, people lost almost everything after their homes were flooded by Debby, so more than 20 local and state agencies, including Sarasota County, opened a multi-agency resource center on Saturday to help residents stock up on hygiene items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes.
They also distribute pre-filled containers of cleaning supplies needed to clean a flooded home, as well as snacks and food to those who have nothing left.
READ: Laurel Meadows residents continue to wonder why flooding occurred as waters recede
“We invite anyone in the county who has been hit hard by Hurricane Debby to come and get support. We see the need and we see community members asking for help. We want to be that response, as do some of the local and state agencies that are here. We are here to help the community,” Washko said.
In addition to basic needs, residents can also receive long-term support, such as help with processing insurance claims or obtaining flood insurance.
Additionally, all residents must complete an intake form outlining their losses and needs, allowing county officials to closely monitor residents’ recovery and respond to their changing needs as the community works to rebuild from the aftermath of the season’s first major storm.
“We’re going to continue to assess the needs of the community and find out what they really need from us and these other state and local resources. We just want to encourage people to come and accept the help that they deserve and need,” Washko said.
The Sarasota Christian Church Multidisciplinary Resource Center is located at 2923 Ashton Road in Sarasota and is open Sunday, August 11th from 1pm to 5pm and Monday, August 12th from 9am to 7pm.
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